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Insight - Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Classic Group (01/2023 - 10/2023) (ZCHLN18)

11 Days From Santiago (Chile) to Santiago (Chile) 
Tour Style: Latin America
Insight Brochure Price from $6,596.00
Brochures: Latin America 2022, IV Latin America 2023, V1 Latin 2024
Visits: Chile

Journey across Chile on an immersive 11-Day adventure, from Santiago set against the snow-capped Andes to the UNESCO protected sites of Valparaíso and the llama farms of Torres del Paine. Wine connoisseurs will be in their element at the Kingston Family Vineyard where a private Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting uncorks the finest local tipples—including regional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In Torres del Paine, join the Patagonia Ranch cultural experience and see the world through the eyes of your local baqueano guides—the cowboy descendants of horsemen who came to work the ranches over a century ago. In Atacama, journey 14,000 feet up into the Andes for a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs before an evening of stargazing under the crystal-clear skies of the Chilean desert.
Choice Highlights
  • Torres del Paine National Park: This afternoon, join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. Many of these local cowboys are the descendants of horsemen who came to work ranches in this remote region more than a century ago. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Enjoy a Yerba mate tea with them while chatting about Patagonian culture.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Join an immersive tour of the regions oldest organic kitchens and garden at the Reserva Cerro Paine. Using bio-intensive sustainable methods, this farm  conserves traditional heirloom varieties as well as an assortment of culinary and medicinal herbs.

Well-being
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Authentic Dining
  • Santiago: In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel, where you'll enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner while getting to know some of your new travel companions.
  • Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
  • Santiago: Enjoy lunch at El Galeon restaurant, located in the heart of the "Central Market," Santiago's main market for fish and seafood.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
  • Dining Summary: 3 Dinner with Wine (DW), 10 Breakfast (B), 2 Lunch with Wine (LW), 2 Dinner (D), and 3 Lunch (L)

Top Rated Highlights
  • Valparaiso: Join a Local Expert on a guided tour of the coastal city of Valparaiso and explore this colourful UNESCO protected site.
  • San Pedro de Atacama: Head to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns.You'll learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
  • Santiago: On arrival, take a tour of the city with a Local Expert. Discover its Neoclassical landmarks including the 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral, vibrant Central Market, and San Cristobal Hill.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Cruise on the Ultima Esperanza Gulf to admire the beauty of the Serrano glacier and the glacier Balmaceda, part the southern ice fields and home to some of the most impressive sites of the region.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Take a scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park, with plenty of scenic photo stops along the way. The park is situated in Chile’s Patagonia region and is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. The park is also part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve System, known for its rare wildlife.

Insight Experiences
  • San Pedro de Atacama: Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours, just in time to watch the sun rise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world: the El Tatio Geysers. There are over 70 geysers with pools of boiling water spurting vapor and it is best to see them first thing in the morning, so you can truly appreciate the beautiful contrast of colours between the intensely blue sky and the pristine vapor from the geysers. You will then enjoy a well-deserved breakfast in this amazing setting, in the shadows of the Andes. Take a moment to warm up as the temperatures in the zone can range from -2°C to 24.5°C (28°F to 76° F). On you way back to San Pedro de Atacama, you will travel through beautiful landscapes, seeing the valleys, flora and fauna, and maybe even spotting some of the local vicunas and vizcachas - a real highlight.
  • San Pedro de Atacama: Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 square kilometres). View the nearby volcanoes, and keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: This afternoon, join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. Many of these local cowboys are the descendants of horsemen who came to work ranches in this remote region more than a century ago. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Enjoy a Yerba mate tea with them while chatting about Patagonian culture.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Join an immersive tour of the regions oldest organic kitchens and garden at the Reserva Cerro Paine. Using bio-intensive sustainable methods, this farm  conserves traditional heirloom varieties as well as an assortment of culinary and medicinal herbs.

Make Travel Matter
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Enjoy the exquisite local flavours of Torres Del Paine National Park as you dine at Hotel Las Torres. Every meal features fresh, in-season ingredients grown onsite at the regions oldest gardens that utilizes bio-intensive sustainable techniques.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Santiago
Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Visits: Santiago
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel
Day 2Valparaiso and the Casablanca Wine Country
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaiso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique ampitheatre-like layout. After lunch, visit the Kingston Family Vineyard for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognised as one of the best wineries in Chile, its varieties have been featured on the wine lists of top restaurants including Aureole in New York. The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.
Visits: Valparaiso, Santiago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Accommodation: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel
Day 3On to Atacama
Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro.You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
Visits: Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Day 4Explore Atacama
This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 metres) above sea level. Enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hotsprings before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Visits: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Day 5Atacama Salt Flats
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometres). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for is volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.
Visits: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Day 6Atacama to Santiago
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago.Enjoy lunch at El Galeon restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market.Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to the San Cristobal Hill.
Visits: San Pedro de Atacama, Santiago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Accommodation: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel
Day 7On to Puerto Natales
Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner.Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savouring typical Patagonian dishes.
Visits: Santiago, Puerto Natales
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Remota, Puerto Natales.
Day 8Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion
Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.
Visits: Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Remota, Puerto Natales.
Day 9Torres del Paine National Park
Join your local expert on an excursion of the Torres del Paine National Park. Situated in Chile's Patagonia region, this park is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after.This afternoon, explore Torres del Paine with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Alternatively, choose to join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Reserva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy dinner at your hotel. All the ingredients are produced onsite utilizing sustainable farming techniques.
Visits: Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia.
Day 10Sightseeing in Torres del Paine
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you keep a look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Dickson Lake, Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake.After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Visits: Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia.
Day 11Back to Santiago
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.
Visits: Torres del Paine National Park, Punta Arenas Pres. Ibanez, Santiago
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin
Child: ages 5 to 17

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